The Beginner’s Guide to Miniature Painting
A step by step guide to painting miniatures by Daclaud Lee
Understanding the Basics of Miniature Painting
What is miniature painting?
Miniature painting involves adding color, detail, and personality to small figures used for tabletop games like Warhammer 40k, Dungeons & Dragons, or for display purposes. These figures typically come unpainted and are often highly detailed, allowing for endless creative possibilities.Types of miniatures:
Miniatures are available in a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and challenges:Plastic: Lightweight, easy to assemble, and widely available (e.g., Games Workshop models).
Metal: Durable but heavier, often used for classic or high-quality miniatures (e.g., Reaper Miniatures).
Resin: High-detail but fragile; often used for premium models (e.g., Forge World or 3D Printed).
Why paint miniatures?
Personalize your army or character for tabletop gaming.
Enjoy a creative and therapeutic hobby.
Showcase your artistic skills or create display pieces.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Miniatures to Paint
Start with affordable and simple models. For example:
Warhammer Fantasy, Warhammer Age of Sigmar, Warhammer 40K
Kings of War or Mantic Miniatures
D&D heroes and monsters (e.g., WizKids unpainted miniatures).
Practice pieces like cheap toy soldiers or test minis.
3D Printed Minis from various designers
Paints
Acrylic paints are the go-to for miniature painting because they dry quickly and offer a variety of finishes.
Brands: Citadel, Vallejo, Army Painter, Reaper Master Series.
Types of paints:
Base paints: Opaque paints for the first layer.
Layer paints: Thinner paints for layering highlights or details.
Washes/shades: Thinned-down paints that flow into recesses to create shadows.
Drybrush paints: Specially formulated paints for drybrushing highlights.
Brushes
Choose high-quality brushes for better control and results.
Essential sizes:
Small detail brush (00 or 0) for fine details.
Medium brush (1 or 2) for general painting.
Drybrush for texture and highlights.
Materials:
Synthetic brushes: Affordable and durable.
Natural hair brushes (e.g., sable): Better for advanced techniques.
Primer
A primer is essential to help paint stick to the model.
Spray primers are most common: Citadel Chaos Black, Army Painter Gray, White Primer.
Brush-on primers work well for spot-priming or if spraying is not possible.
Choose primer color based on your scheme:
Black: For darker tones and shadows.
White/Gray: For brighter colors and easier detail visibility.
Colored primers: Save time (e.g., red for Blood Angels).
Other Essentials
Palette:
A wet palette helps keep paints moist and workable longer.
A dry palette (plastic or ceramic) works for smaller sessions.
Water cup: For cleaning brushes and thinning paints. Avoid mixing paint water with drinking water!
Paper towels: Use for drying brushes and cleaning spills.
Clippers/hobby knife: To remove parts from sprues and clean mold lines.
Glue:
Plastic glue for plastic models (melts pieces together).
Superglue for metal or resin models.
Preparing Your Miniature
1. Cleaning the Model
Remove mold lines and flash (excess material):
Use a hobby knife, file, or sandpaper to gently scrape away imperfections.
Wash the miniature to remove manufacturing residue:
Use warm, soapy water and a soft brush (e.g., toothbrush). Let it dry completely before priming.
2. Assembling the Miniature
Follow the instructions included with the kit.
Use clippers to carefully remove pieces from sprues.
Test-fit pieces before gluing.
Use glue sparingly to avoid messes.
3. Priming the Miniature
Priming ensures the paint adheres properly to the surface:
Hold spray can 6-12 inches away and apply thin, even coats.
Allow the primer to dry for at least 30 minutes to an hour.
Optional: Mask areas you don’t want primed (e.g., clear bases).
Basic Painting Techniques
Basecoating
The first layer of paint applied to define the colors of each section of the miniature.
Thin your paint with a small amount of water for smoother application.
Use a medium brush to cover larger areas evenly.
Layering
Apply lighter shades on top of the basecoat to add depth.
Focus on raised areas and surfaces exposed to light.
Build up layers gradually to achieve smooth transitions.
Washing/Shading
Use washes (thinned-down paints or dedicated shade products) to enhance details and shadows.
Apply generously, allowing the wash to flow into recesses.
Clean up excess wash with a damp brush for smoother effects.
Drybrushing
A technique for highlighting raised areas:
Use a drybrush or old brush with stiff bristles.
Dip brush into paint, then wipe off most of it on a paper towel.
Lightly drag the brush over the model to highlight textures.
Detailing
Focus on small features like eyes, weapons, and accessories.
Use a fine-tipped brush and thin paints for precision.
Advanced Techniques (For When You’re Ready)
Edge Highlighting
Paint thin lines along the edges of armor, weapons, or details to create a crisp, defined look.
Blending and Glazing
Achieve smooth transitions between colors:
Blending: Use multiple layers of thinned paint to merge colors seamlessly.
Glazing: Use a highly diluted paint to tint or adjust existing colors.
Weathering Effects
Add realism by simulating rust, dirt, or battle damage:
Use sponges for chipped paint effects.
Apply pigments or washes for grime and wear.
Freehand Designs
Add custom details like symbols, runes, or patterns.
Practice on a flat surface first to perfect your technique.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Using too much paint: Always thin your paints to avoid obscuring details.
Skipping primer: Paint will not adhere properly and may peel off.
Not cleaning the model: Residue or oils can prevent proper adhesion.
Rushing details: Take your time, especially on focal points like faces.
Improper brush care: Clean brushes thoroughly to extend their lifespan.
Where to Learn and Get Inspired
Online Tutorials:
YouTube channels like Dana Howl, Goobertown Hobbies, and Squidmar Miniatures.
Communities:
Reddit (r/minipainting), Facebook groups, or local hobby shops.
Books:
How to Paint Citadel Miniatures (Games Workshop guide).
Practice Projects:
Start with simple models to build confidence and skills.
Displaying or Gaming with Your Miniatures
Varnishing: Protect your work with a matte, satin, or gloss varnish.
Gaming: Painted miniatures enhance the immersion of tabletop games.
Display Bases: Create scenic bases or dioramas to showcase your miniatures.
Budgeting and Expanding Your Collection
Start small: Begin with a few basic models and paints.
Look for deals: Hobby store sales, online discounts, and second-hand miniatures.
Upgrade gradually: Invest in higher-quality tools as your skills improve.
3D Printers: Invest in a resin 3D printer and purchase miniatures from popular sources like My Mini Factory or find free files from other sources.
Final Tips for Beginners
Be patient: Improvement comes with practice.
Experiment: Try different colors and techniques to develop your style.
Have fun: Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress!